Partygate: What happens now that Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been fined?
Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates looks at what happens now it has been confirmed that the prime minister and chancellor broke COVID laws the government introduced during the pandemic.
Tuesday 12 April 2022 22:05, UK
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have paid fines from police for breaking COVID regulations.
Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates looks at what happens now it has been confirmed that the prime minister and chancellor broke COVID laws the government introduced during the pandemic.
PM says it 'didn't occur to me' birthday event was against the rules - partygate live updates
Do we know how much the prime minister and chancellor have been fined?
We know Boris and Carrie Johnson have been fined £50 each and have paid the fixed penalty notices. Mr Sunak has also paid his fine.
Is the police investigation over - or could there be more fines?
The police investigation is ongoing - so more fines are possible, including for the PM.
Does this mean the PM and chancellor now have criminal records?
No. When the police issue a fixed penalty notice it means they believe a criminal law has been broken. However, once the fine has been paid the liability for the offence is removed and it is not added to a criminal record. The only situation in which a fixed penalty notice could result in a criminal record is if the person chooses not to pay - but both the prime minister and chancellor have confirmed they have done so.
Read more: All you need to know about the Met's partygate investigation
Is there any prospect of the PM quitting?
Today he declared he has no intention to. He seems unwilling to want to go voluntarily.
Whether the Tory party - MPs or cabinet - decide otherwise remains to be seen.
There isn't the same febrile mood as early February but political currents wax and wain quickly - there is a long way for this story to run.
It may prove toxic - or it may prove repetitive and less consequential, we don't know yet
Could Rishi Sunak try and make things more difficult for the PM and resign?
He could. It would get very difficult for Mr Johnson if Mr Sunak quit.
But he hasn't yet - and in a statement, he said he was "focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time", which suggests he will not resign.
Follow the Daily podcast on
What does the latest polling say about the potential impact of the fines?
The Tories have recovered a little since the lows of partygate but Labour is still in front.
It's too early to properly judge how important people feel this is, against other issues.
Are the cabinet rolling in behind the prime minister?
Cabinet colleagues have begun to line up in Mr Johnson's defence.
Michael Gove, Nadine Dorries, Oliver Dowden, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps and Liz Truss, among others, have all offered the prime minister their backing.
What is the current mood amongst Tory MPs?
Uncertain. Careful because of imminent local elections. Wary of judging too fast. Weary of having to field more questions about the PM and trust.
What options do the prime minister and chancellor have available to them now?
Mr Johnson will try and tough it out, while Mr Sunak has signalled he will also not quit.
Could parliament be recalled even if the government wants to avoid it?
There are only two weekdays before parliament returns anyway.
Will the full Sue Gray report now be published?
Yes - several weeks after the police conclude their investigation which hasn't happened yet.